Permaculture Design Course – weekends course
Design to Thrive Permaculture Design Certificate Course – 6 weekends: April to Oct Community Roots
DATES: 6 weekends from April – Oct 2026 | 10am – 4pm each day
April 11th/12th | April 25th/26th | June 27/28th | July 25/26th | Sept 26/27th | Oct 3/4th
COURSE SUMMARY
Join our Design to Thrive 12-day PDC course ideal for anyone wanting to apply permaculture design at home, in communities, or in larger professional projects. Through hands-on experience, explore permaculture ethics, principles, and design frameworks that can be applied locally or globally at any scale from gardens to community initiatives and to international crisis response.
Gain key skills through discussions, reflective practice, and real-world design practice. This course delivered over six-weekends from April to October 2026, this course includes additional support sessions available throughout the year. We also offer 3 intensive PDC courses in Cornwall in May, June and September (see other listings for details)
The course has the privilege of being held in Cornwall with its rich history of land stewardship resilient communities and ancient folklore and a fundamental living connection to the sea and the forces of nature.
This training will explore designing to enhance and support local ecologies, grow healthy food, build and develop strong community and care for people, and to protect and regenerate the ocean and coastal ecologies
On completion, participants receive a Permaculture Association Certificate, accredited and recognised nationally and internationally. A PDC is pathway to opportunities to work in community development and inclusion, humanitarian aid, ecological regeneration, and also enables students to study a Diploma in Applied Permaculture Design
VENUE: Community Roots CIC https://www.communityroots.uk/
Nestled near the wild North Cliffs near the village of Porthtowan, this vibrant local food hub offers hands-on learning experience inspiring natural surrounds. Training sessions will take place in the community garden, on the ecopark site, as well as on the coast and at local beaches. After class and on the weekends surfing is possible too, and yoga, sauna, music and dancing is often on offer at the adjacent Eco Park, Porthtowan with campsite and accommodation.
Optional discounted camping at £8 per night is available at Eco Park, Porthtowan adjacent to Community Roots see www.mpecopark.co.uk/stay/ and for booking contact Jodie on campsite@ecopark.co.uk
PDC COURSE FEES: £555
We aim to keep fees as accessible as possible, if the fees are not affordable to you get in touch to discuss payment plans and concessionary places.
HOW TO BOOK: Please get in touch to find out more about the course and how to enrol at hello@designtothrive.co.uk
Testimonials from former students –
“The training course was inspiring, practical, and empowering. The content was sharp, current, and packed with hands-on techniques and practical skills that we can apply directly to community projects. The teaching was dynamic, creative, and often humorous, fostering cooperative working, teamwork, and real-world social justice problem-solving. It has opened new ways of thinking, given me lasting connections with like-minded people, and inspired me to establish my own regenerative project to enhance people’s lives while caring for nature. The course instilled a deep sense of solidarity, empowerment, and purpose that I continue to carry forward.”
“I wanted to do a PDC for ages, but struggled to find one with the right dates, location, and cost. I couldn’t be happier with this course!”
“Jodie has a huge heart and an amazing drive to build community. She embodies the permaculture principle of ‘valuing the margins’, with vast experience across countries, cultures, and demographics.”
“The timetable and price made this course accessible, while the learning, practical experience, and location had a lasting impact. It was a highlight of my year!”
